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NDTV
6 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
Vasuki Indicus: All About The Longest Snake To Have Ever Lived
The fossil of an ancient serpent, Vasuki Indicus, found along the Kutch coast in the Indian state of Gujarat two decades ago, has offered some never-before-known insights into the evolution of the reptile. Dating back around 47 million years, the giant snake is believed to have been an incredible 49 feet long, surpassing the enormous Titanoboa. The giant Titanoboa from Palaeocene Colombia can grow up to 42 feet in length, and was the indisputable longest snake to have ever walked the earth for decades. Titanoboa is believed to weigh 1.25 tonnes, which is slightly heavier than Vasuki Indicus, which weighs about 1,000 kg. The ancient remains of Vasuki Indicus were initially discovered in 2005 at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district. They were painstakingly examined and identified over many years. Researchers found 27 vertebrae that were largely in good condition. The bones were so large that they were initially believed to be those of a gigantic crocodile, demonstrating the remarkable size of this ancient serpent. Researchers concluded that Vasuki Indicus had a broad, cylindrical body, like big pythons or anacondas of modern age, based on the size of its vertebrae - 38-62 millimetres long and 62-111 millimetres wide. Vasuki Indicus is thought to have existed during the Middle Eocene, when the Earth's temperature was good enough to permit the evolution of large, cold-blooded reptiles. Despite the lack of a full skeleton, scientific examination of Vasuki Indicus' vertebrae has produced amazing reconstructions and insights into its existence. Palaeontologists Debajit Datta and Sunil Bajpai of the Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee contended that Vasuki Indicus was probably a slow-moving predator that wrapped its body around its victim till it died. They estimated that it originated in the warm Indian subcontinent and travelled via Europe to Africa between 56 and 34 million years ago. Vasuki Indicus thrived in the now-arid Kutch region's wooded marshes, per The name of the species reveals an intriguing link between contemporary scientific research and ancient Indian mythology. Vasuki Indicus alludes to the treasured mythical serpent known as Vasuki Naag, which is often portrayed as a celestial adornment around Lord Shiva's neck in Hindu scriptures.
India.com
6 days ago
- Science
- India.com
Vasuki Indicus: New King Of Giants Unearthed In Indias...., Dethrones Titanoboa; Check Its Massive Size, Weight, Fossil Pics
photoDetails english Vasuki Indicus Real Photos by IIT: Those who know about Lord Shiva, also knows about the revered snake Vasuki. Known as the snake that Lord Shiva wears around his neck, Vasuki was the son of the sage Kashyapa and the serpent queen Kadru, as per Hindu mythology or belief. As per Hindu scriptures, Vasuki was of unprecedented size and weight. In the modern era, for decades, the colossal Titanoboa held the undisputed title of the largest snake to have ever roamed Earth, with its impressive length of up to 42 feet. However, a groundbreaking discovery in Gujarat has potentially rewritten this chapter of paleontological history. Updated:Jul 16, 2025, 08:42 PM IST Vasuki Indicus Length, Weight 1 / 7 Fossils unearthed along the Kutch coast reveal an ancient serpent, now named Vasuki Indicus, estimated to have measured a staggering 49 feet long and weighed nearly 1,000 kilograms. This monumental find, the result of nearly two decades of dedicated research by scientists from IIT Roorkee, not only challenges our understanding of prehistoric megafauna but also draws a fascinating link to the mythical serpent Vasuki Naag from ancient Indian scriptures. Let's delve into the remarkable details of Vasuki Indicus: Vasuki Indicus: Scale, Size 2 / 7 The sheer scale of Vasuki Indicus redefines what was thought possible for ancient snakes. With length around 49 feet, it is a strong contender for the longest snake to have ever lived, potentially exceeding the previous record holder, Titanoboa. Based on the dimensions of its vertebrae, which measure between 38 to 62 millimeters in length and 62 to 111 millimeters in width, researchers infer that Vasuki Indicus possessed a broad, cylindrical body, similar to modern-day large pythons or anacondas. Vasuki Indicus Fossil 3 / 7 The story of Vasuki Indicus began with the discovery of its ancient remains, meticulously studied and identified over many years. The fossils were initially unearthed in 2005 at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. Researchers recovered 27 mostly well-preserved vertebrae. Due to their massive size, the bones were initially thought to belong to a large crocodile, highlighting the extraordinary scale of this ancient serpent. Vasuki Indicus Age 4 / 7 Vasuki Indicus is estimated to have lived during the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago, a time characterized by a warm global climate conducive to the growth of large cold-blooded reptiles. Vasuki Indicus belongs to an extinct lineage of giant snakes, offering insights into their evolutionary history. Vasuki Indicus Real Reconstruction 5 / 7 Though a complete skeleton of Vasuki Indicus has not been found, scientific analysis of its vertebrae allowed for remarkable reconstructions and insights into its lifestyle. The size and distinctive features of the recovered vertebrae were instrumental in estimating the snake's overall length and weight. Vasuki Indicus Mythology 6 / 7 The naming of this newly discovered species highlights a fascinating connection between ancient Indian lore and modern scientific discovery. The name "Vasuki Indicus" is a direct reference to Vasuki Naag, the revered mythical serpent from Hindu scriptures, often depicted as a divine ornament around Lord Shiva's neck. Vasuki Indicus vs. Titanoboa 7 / 7 It's a battle of the beasts. Vasuki Indicus, with an estimated maximum length of 49 feet, potentially surpasses Titanoboa's maximum reported length of 42 feet. While Vasuki Indicus is estimated to be around 1,000 kg, Titanoboa has been estimated to weigh slightly more, up to 1.25 tonnes.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Zoological Survey of India develops DNA barcodes for 169-year-old spiny tree mouse species
Bengaluru: Nearly two centuries after discovering a species in the biological hotspot of the Western Ghats, scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) successfully generated DNA barcodes for the Malabar spiny tree mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus) — often hailed as a 'living fossil'. The DNA barcoding, similar to generating an Aadhaar number for citizens, paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary history of these species. Sources in ZSI told TOI though the species was discovered in 1856, it had no individual identity as a species and was categorised under the subfamily of Typhlomys, the Chinese pygmy dormouse, due to similar features. However, scientists have now successfully uncovered the polymorphism features of these species. "The DNA barcoding and generation of the genetic data for these mouse species have established that these species are much more ancient than their Chinese counterparts that were documented in recent centuries," said Dr KP Dinesh, a scientist from ZSI, western regional centre, Pune. These frugivorous species live in tree holes and are nocturnal in nature. "They are distributed across forests between Kodagu in Karnataka and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Unlike all the species that have undergone morphological changes as part of evolution, these spiny tree mice have not undergone any change. Hence, they are referred to as living fossils," explained Dr Dinesh. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "The molecular dating suggests the origin of the ancestors of these spiny tree mice dates back to the Eocene period (56 to 33.9 million years ago), which is likely a Gondwanan relic that persisted in the Western Ghats. Hence, the present lineage of Platacanthomys could be a relict taking refuge in the hill ranges of the Western Ghats, whose ancestors might have gone extinct due to various geological events in the past," he said. The latest specimen of the Malabar spiny tree mouse was sourced from Suryamudi in Wayanad district of Kerala during a periodic survey on small mammals. Subsequently, scientists from ZSI's western regional centre, Western Ghats regional centre in Kozhikode, and southern regional centre in Chennai collaborated for the study and published the findings in the Journal of Animal Diversity. Dr Dhiriti Banerjee, director of ZSI, said this genetic data on these historic and enigmatic species is vital, especially in the backdrop of climate change. Dr SS Talmale, the lead author, highlighted the immediate need for targeted habitat conservation of these species that live within 50 metres to 2,270 metres altitude. "They have already been listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Act 1972," he pointed out. Another scientist, Dr MJ Palot, described it as a very elusive and rare species. "Despite years of fieldwork, I have seen it only a few times, and the recovery of a specimen at Suryamudi is indeed a rare chance."
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Scientists trace ancient origins of elusive Western Ghats Tree Mouse
In a groundbreaking discovery that redefines the evolutionary history of a rare rodent species, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have successfully decoded the DNA of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse (Platacanthomys lasiurus), a species endemic to the Western Ghats. This marks the first-ever generation of DNA barcodes for the elusive species, placing it within a clearer taxonomic framework and revealing its lineage as an ancient Gondwanan relic. Molecular dating from this new research places the origin of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse's ancestors in the Eocene period, between 56 to 33.9 million years ago, indicating that the species likely survived major geological transformations while taking refuge in the forested hill ranges of the Western Ghats. (HT PHOTO) The collaborative study, published in the latest July edition of the peer-reviewed 'Journal of Animal Diversity' from Lorestan University, Iran, involved researchers from various ZSI regional centres, including S S Talmale, K P Dinesh, and A Shabnam from the Western Regional Centre, Pune; Jafer Palot from the Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode; and K A Subramanian from the Southern Regional Centre, Chennai. Although Platacanthomys lasiurus was first described in 1859, it has taken nearly 166 years to generate its genetic data. Molecular dating from this new research places the origin of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse's ancestors in the Eocene period, between 56 to 33.9 million years ago, indicating that the species likely survived major geological transformations while taking refuge in the forested hill ranges of the Western Ghats. The mouse is believed to be a living fossil, with no close relatives in India. A similar-looking rodent, the Chinese Pygmy Dormouse (Typhlomys), is found in China and Vietnam. However, molecular analysis shows that the two species are not monophyletic - meaning they do not share a recent common ancestor - supporting their placement in separate families. The lineage of Typhlomys is estimated to have diverged during the Miocene period, much later than Platacanthomys. The discovery was made during a small mammal survey near Suryamudi in the southern Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala's Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The collected specimen is now housed in the National Zoological Collection at ZSI's Western Regional Centre in Pune for future reference and study. Dhiriti Banerjee, director of the Zoological Survey of India, emphasised the importance of such studies in the context of climate change. She stated that integrative approaches, combining traditional taxonomy with molecular tools, are vital for informing conservation strategies and ensuring the survival of vulnerable species. Lead author Dr S S Talmale highlighted that habitat degradation remains the primary threat to the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse, which is listed as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Found at elevations ranging from 50 to 2,270 metres, the species has a fragmented and highly-restricted distribution. It is also listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, which offers legal protection and underscores the urgent need for habitat conservation. Co-author Dr K A Subramanian noted that the study reinforces the theory that the southern Western Ghats served as a biological refugium during the breakup of the ancient Gondwana supercontinent, supporting ancient lineages that are otherwise extinct elsewhere. Dr M J Palot described the field discovery of the specimen as a rare and emotional moment, adding that the opportunity to sequence its DNA has deepened scientific understanding of the region's evolutionary heritage. Dr K P Dinesh added that molecular tools such as DNA barcoding and phylogenetics are crucial for studying relict species like Platacanthomys lasiurus. These techniques not only uncover hidden evolutionary pathways but also aid in precise taxonomic classification and targeted conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots. The findings not only elevate the conservation significance of the Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse but also open new avenues for research into its ecological history. The study is expected to inspire young researchers and students to explore the evolutionary mysteries of the Western Ghats, a region increasingly being recognised as a treasure trove of ancient and unique biodiversity.
India.com
10-07-2025
- Science
- India.com
Gujarat's Vasuki Indicus or Colombia's Titanoboa, which is the largest snake on Earth? It weighs 1.25 tonnes, length is..., name is...
Since the formation of Earth, countless creatures have been born and have gone extinct. Snakes are incredible creatures , and there have been some studies about them in which it was proposed that there were once giant snakes weighing over 1 , 000 pounds on Earth . Two of the prehistoric snakes that usually come up in these debates are Vasuki indicus and Titanoboa. But have you ever wondered which is the largest snake to have ever lived on Earth? Well, it is… During the Paleocene epoch, around 58-60 million years ago, Titanoboa cerrejonensis , which lived in the swampy ecosystems of Colombia, is considered the largest prehistoric snake in history. According to the Times of India report, initially believed to be crocodile vertebrae, the fossilized vertebrae of a colossal snake, ultimately known as Titanoboa, were discovered in 2009 at the Cerrejón coal mines. Jonathan Bloch and Carlos Jaramillo later discovered the snake was Titanoboa measuring 15 metres (50 feet) long and weighing approximately 1.25 tonnes. Titanoboa , as wide as an oil drum, crushed its prey with a powerful bite that had a muscle force of approximately 400 psi . The discovery generated media attention and has led to a life- size model of Titanoboa now located in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. In 2005, paleontologists found 27 large vertebrae at the Panadhro Lignite Mine in Gujarat, India, which they thought were crocodile bones. After nearly nine years of detailed research, a group led by Sunil Bajpai determined that the fossils belonged to an undescribed giant snake species and named it Vasuki indicus after the mythological giant serpent in Hindu mythology. Dating to roughly 47 million years ago (Middle Eocene), Vasuki reached an estimated length of up to 15 m (49 feet) and weighed close to 1 tonne, reported TOI. Since the snake's gigantic size and Indian affiliation made 'Vasuki' (the celestial serpent connected to Lord Shiva) culturally significant, it was also an appropriate scientific homage.
